Structural Roots of Kuki–Zo and Meitei Violence (1972–2026): An Academic Analysis with District-Level Illustrations from Manipur

Abstract: This paper traces the structural causes of sustained inter-ethnic violence between Meitei (valley) and Kuki-Zo (hill) communities in Manipur from statehood (1972) through 2026. It argues that colonial-era administrative divisions, constitutional asymmetries (land and Scheduled Tribe protections), competing territorial imaginaries, long-term militarisation, and governance deficits created a layered grievance architecture that crystallised into episodic and large-scale violence. The analysis is localised through district-level examples (Imphal East/West, Bishnupur, Churachandpur, Senapati, Tamenglong, Chandel and Kangpokpi) and is accompanied by a timeline (1972–2026) of major political, legal and violent episodes. Policy implications for trust-building, legal clarity, and devolved governance are offered.

Geographical features and contiguity district or on Ethnic Based District

Geographical features and contiguity district or on Ethnic Based District

I have traveled to the length and breadth of Manipur, I have visited every nook and corner. What I often pondered on while crossing district boundaries is "This is the reason why the valley and the Hills always bla bla bla".

Coming down from Maphou dam [the end of Imphal East district which is under Saikul division] to Moirangpurel GP, then moving down to Changamdabi and Yambem GPs, further crossing Top Chingtha and Keirao gram panchayats. It sometimes looks so funny that the river and its basin which its breadth is less than a kilometre is being administered under Imphal East District. The Thoubal river is surrounded by Ukhrul and Senapati district hill ranges. Coming down to Ngarian hills. The hills which is under Senapati is again surrounded by the valley which falls under Imphal East district. Those villages which are on the hills have to come to Saikul for official works. On interesting development is that, those villages took part in GP elections of the valley as well as MLA election under Senapati.